How to Roast Chestnuts

Everyone has heard the song “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” – right? Well personally I have never roasted chestnuts on an open fire but I have baked them in the oven and let me tell you they are a very special treat. I am going to give you my recipe and see for yourself just how delicious these nuts can be once they are baked.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

  2. Clean the chestnuts that you have chosen. Meaning, don’t use soft ones since they may be rotted. You only want to use the ones that are dry and firm.

  3. Use a sharp knife or something like a fork to poke a hole in each chestnut, this allows steam to escape from it. I like to use an ice pick. Be careful, I have pricked myself a few times doing this.

  4. In a single layer, place the chestnuts, pricked side up on a baking sheet. You can sprinkle them with salt (optional). I even tried sprinkling garlic salt on them for a different variety.

  5. Bake for up to 25 minutes. You will know when they are done if they are easy to peel.

  6. Once they are cool enough, remove the shells and the inner skin.

It is important to not forget pricking the chestnuts. Even once they have come out of the oven they still have been known to explode without the prick. Try adding some of your favorite spices, these are very versatile when it comes to adding some of your favorite flavors.